AI Is Now Watching Your Poker Tells—Here's What's Going On...

Hey Poker Fam! Technology keeps changing how we watch and play Poker. ESPN just used an AI tells detector on the Main Event—a tool that tracks physical tells and compares them to hand strength.

We're also breaking down actual WSOP earnings (spoiler: they're not always what you'd expect), and Poker players showed up to the IRS to fight a "phantom tax" that's hitting everyone.

We're also diving into Big Blind strategy—one of the most underrated positions at the table. Whether you're defending against early openers or navigating polarized ranges.

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Strategy Corner

Big Blind Strategy

Playing from the big blind is fun because you get to flat wider pre-flop. You already have a big blind invested into the pot so you're getting a better price and better odds to call. Plus, you close the action pre-flop so you don't have to worry about getting raised off your hand.

How wide of a range you call with depends on the bet size you are facing. You can flat wider if you are facing a small raise, like a mini-raise or 2.5x open. You'll have to tighten up the larger your opponent bets pre-flop. You don't have the luxury to call as wide of a range if you're facing a 5x open.

In general, you should 3-bet a linear range in pots against early position openers, and a polarized range versus late position openers. This again goes back to what we know about the range strength of players opening from early and late positions. The early position raises usually represent stronger holdings, whereas you can open your 3-betting range against a late position open because they are going to have a wider range themselves.

You should be punishing a player who is opening 80% of buttons by 3-betting with hands containing blockers, like K-6s or A-9o. It will be difficult for them to call with their junky hands. Plus, it looks pretty strong when you 3-bet out of the big blind.

If you call too much and never 3-bet from the big blind, your opponents may exploit this and open wider when you're in that seat. If they know there's a good chance you're not reopening the action unless you have it, they'll raise your blinds more. 3-betting a polarized range is a good way to combat that exploit.

3-betting from the Big Blind:

You should 3-bet a polarized range from the big blind to protect your calling range. It's obvious if you're 3-betting a linear range only from the big blind because everyone knows you're supposed to be calling often. That's why you should throw in some polar 3-bets for balance. Again, find hands with good removal and that have post-flop playability. As for 3-bet sizing, generally you'll want to size up a little more if you're out of position. You want that little bit of extra leverage and fold equity. If you choose a standard or small sizing, your opponents will be more incentivized to call, which will make it difficult for you to get away from them on later streets. You should generally 3-bet at least 4x the opener's raise, plus an additional raise for every caller.

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Clip of the Week

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I raise 6❤4❤ from the hijack and make my flush on the turn of 9❤ after c-betting the flop of Q❤-9♣-J❤—and when the river brings the 8♣stick around because this thin value bet sizing was critical!

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